Tips

Grass Planting Tips 

1.  Cast your seed and very gently rake into the top ¼ inch of soil.  No more than ¼ inch or the seed will rot.

2.  When using TOP DRESSING do not use starter fertilizer.  This will only slow down germination by overloading grass seed with nutrients it does not need or cannot handle.  Starter fertilizer may be used if desired when using SCREENED TOPSOIL .

3.  Use straw after the seed is spread to help keep moisture in the soil, protect it from heavy rain, birds and heat.  Spread the straw evenly (a bale of straw will cover approximately 500 sq. feet).  Avoid placing the straw too thick in any area.  You should be able to see the soil slightly through the straw.  Do not remove the straw.  Let the grass come up through it and mow over the straw and grass when needed. 

4.  Water, water, water.  The most critical time for grass establishment is the first 40 days.  It is necessary to preserve soil moisture during this time.  Perennial Rye grass comes up in 7-15 days depending on soil temperature and moisture. Better grass seeds such as Kentucky Blue Grass take 10 to 28 days. 

For TOP DRESSING during the first week after seeding, saturate the soil with water every 2 days.  After the first week soil must be kept damp (not saturated to mud) by watering every couple of days during hot summer months, less when cool in early spring and fall. Sprinklers should be moved about every 15-30 minutes.

For SCREENED TOPSOIL water every 3 to 4 days keeping the soil damp.  Water is critical even with SCREENED TOPSOIL but not to the extent of TOP DRESSING.  It is never good for grass seed to have enough water to germinate then dry out and die from drought.

5.  After heavy rain the soil will wash off of the stone that is near the surface.  The soil will appear to have too much stone.  Do not remove the stone.  It is a natural and necessary component of your soil to keep it working properly.  Let the grass grow and the stone will work its way back into the soil where it belongs.

6.  Set your mower to its highest setting for cutting, usually 3 inches.  Mowing your lawn short is never good for it.